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Letters
Region
Obituaries
Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks Exhibition At New Hampshire Antique Co-Op
Now on view through May 31, 2020
Congregational Church Stays Connected
During the suspension of in-person activities in light of the Covid-19 situation, the Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC has a variety of ways for members and others to connect with church programs. This is especially important during April as Holy Week and Easter are on the horizon.
The most up-to-date information about church activities can be found on the church’s website (ccamherst.org) or by calling the church office at 673-3231. Sunday services are broadcast on FacebookLive and recorded for later on-line viewing. Services are followed by a Virtual Fellowship Hour. Links for these and other events can be found on the website.
The church’s Facebook page is another source of information, including updates and video messages from the pastors. Pastors Maureen Frescott and Kate Kennedy are available to provide pastoral care during this time, and the church welcomes community members to connect with this loving, serving, open and affirming community of faith.
Lorraine Alice Hamilton
AMHERST – Lorraine Alice Hamilton of Amherst, New Hampshire, Beach Haven, New Jersey and Rancho Mirage, California died June 14, 2020 from pancreatic cancer at her home in California. She was 73 years old and a participant in the trial of a new cancer drug at NYU Langone in New York City since April 2019. She hoped that results from the trial would improve care for other patients who develop this cancer. She was with her family when she died and was
Donald Richard Haaker
Donald Richard Haaker, 80, born June 2, 1940, son of Carl E Haaker and Jeanne LaRochelle Haaker of Fitchburg, MA, son, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA.
Don, as he was affectionately referred to by friends, and Dad or Grandpa by family, was a proud veteran, avid fisherman, former business owner, collector of “As Seen On TV” gadgets, and
People
Marie Grella Recognized for Service to Amherst Veterans
AMHERST – The Veterans Administration, under the my VA program, has established Community Veteran Engagement Boards (CVEBs) in all fifty states. The mission of the New Hampshire Veteran Engagement Board (NHVEB) is to raise awareness, increase collaboration, and increase education throughout New Hampshire as to what it means to be a veteran, and how we can better serve our veterans, service members, and their families to improve outcomes.
The Protzmann Award is an initiative to collect, share and replicate the things New Hampshire communities do well to support and honor military veterans.
On June 14 the winners of the Inaugural Protzmann Award were announced. Among the nine statewide winners was Amherst’s own, Marie Grella. The award is given in the name of Brigadier General Carolyn Protzmann, ret. Air, New Hampshire National Guard. The award is given to individuals for service above and beyond and demonstrates a sustained commitment to the military community.
The Amherst community benefits from the tireless service that Marie Grella does to support the veterans and to meet their needs. Her positive attitude and community engagement makes her deserving of this recognition.
Marie placing an American Flag on a gravestone.
She spearheaded the work to proclaim Amherst as a Purple Heart Community. Becoming a Purple Heart Community pays tribute to U.S. service members who have been injured or killed in combat, and is also meant to demonstrate the community’s support for veteran-related legislative initiatives.
She spent two and a half years facilitating the arrival in Amherst of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall for a four day stay. With support from the Milford Rotary Club, over 10,000 people visited the Wall to honor friends, family members and neighbors who served during the Vietnam War. It was a memorable and solemn experience.
After Thanksgiving Day, Marie makes sure that all veterans’ graves in Amherst are decorated with a green wreath tied with a red bow. The vision of all those graves with wreaths is a stirring sight. Her helpers usually include families with children and a large contingent of Souhegan High School student/athletes along with their coaches who make quick work of distributing the wreaths.
In the springtime, wreaths are removed and replaced with American flags. Marie solicited donations to purchase veteran grave markers which hold the Stars and Stripes in an upright position. Again, the high school students do much of the leg work and the gravesites will be ready for Decoration Day, our Memorial Day when the graves of loved-ones, soldiers, and the forgotten are remembered.
Daughter, Theresa is now the Memorial Day Observance chair.
Marie Grella with her husband Tom at Protzmann Award Ceremony.
For years Marie was the organizer of the Memorial Day parade. The parade stopped at the various monuments in the village to pay homage to the soldiers. One of the important aspects of the parade is the number of young people involved. The Souhegan High School Band, the Amherst Middle School Band, Brownies and Scouts are all part of the reverent procession.
Those are just a few of the contributions Marie has made over the years. I’m certain she is probably working on another project to serve the veterans and enrich the fabric of our community. Congratulations, Marie.
Many high school students assist with flag and wreath placements.